Leeds Tykes can confirm the following new signings ahead of our 2025-26 National League 1 campaign. Let’s meet them:
Will Yates
Leeds Tykes is pleased to announce Will Yates as part of our 2025-26 squad.
The winger joins from Hull Ionians.
Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Will Yates came on our radar the last time we played Ionians away. I was really impressed by how Will played defensively.
“He’s a really strong defender, attacking-wise he knows where the try line is. He’s played with one or two of the lads at Harrogate. He’s a really good addition to the backs and all 3 of them* should be pushing for starting places.”
On signing for the Tykes, Will said: “I am excited for the opportunity of coming to Leeds Tykes and the step up. I’m excited for the challenge of playing in National 1, having played in National 2 for the last couple of years.”
*Eddie Crossland, Sam Taylor and Will.
Will is available to sponsor.
Eddie Crossland and Sam Taylor
Leeds Tykes can confirm the signings of Eddie Crossland and Sam Taylor for our 2025-26 campaign.
Joining from Otley RUFC, Eddie is a fly-half and Sam plays on the right wing.
In this video, filmed after the first training session of pre-season, they share their thoughts on joining Leeds Tykes, their goals and what fans can expect from them on the pitch.
Talking about the addition of the pair, Leeds Tykes’ Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said: “Happy to get Eddie Crossland involved with the club. We’ve been keeping an eye on him for a while. I think he’s the standout fly-half in National 2 and probably in Yorkshire, which is why he’s been the Yorkshire 10 for a couple of years. He looks after the team and is a good organiser. He has a fantastic kicking game so I’m hoping he’ll do the same for us.”
“We’ve been keeping an eye on him for the past couple of years. We are really impressed with him. He is an out-and-out finisher who knows where the try-line is. He is outstanding working with Eddie, and we’re excited to see how that partnership continues to develop. Sam brings a lot of pace, so the aim is to get him some good ball and let him do what he does best.”
Player Sponsorship – Eddie and Sam are available to sponsor. To find our more about Player Sponsorship, please get in touch with our Commercial Lead, Warwick Andrews.
James Harrison
We are delighted to confirm that James Harrison has joined Leeds Tykes ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Harrison is no stranger to the Tykes, having made nine appearances for us during a loan spell at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. The second row forward arrives from Doncaster Knights, having spent the majority of last season on loan at Bury St Edmunds.
Talking about the addition of Harrison, Leeds Tykes’ Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said:
“Really happy that we can announce the signing of James Harrison on a permanent contract at Leeds Tykes. James impressed us while on loan at the club 18 months ago and we worked hard to bring him back last year, but unfortunately his parent club sent him on loan for the season to Bury St. Edmonds. I have kept a close eye on him, and he has improved week on week. His lineout work is excellent, along with being a strong defender. He will complement the players we already have in the squad, and I know the coaching group are excited to have him join us.”
A product of Billingham FC, Harrison progressed through the youth system and represented Yorkshire at U18 and U20 level, joining the Doncaster Knights academy in 2022. Capable of playing in the second row or across the back row, Harrison adds depth and versatility to the forward pack.
James explained: “I am so excited to be a full member of the squad, rather than being here on loan. It’s going to be an important season and I am hoping to play a key part in it.”
Welcome back to the Tykes, James!
Player Sponsorship – as a new player to the squad, Harrison’s Player Sponsorship is available; for enquiries, please get in touch with our Commercial Lead, Warwick Andrews.
Come back soon for more new player news!